OVER the summer Gartmorn Dam staged a superb four race mid week duathlon series.

Organised by Clackmannanshire Council with help from Clacks Active, the series was quickly hailed as a resounding success by competitors.

Blessed with perfect weather every time, each race was in a run-bike-run format and featured a junior race first with varying distances depending on year group.

The adults’ race followed and the distances for that gradually increased with each race throughout the summer.

The first race in May was aimed at novices with more experienced competitors encouraged to take part in the remaining three. Organisers were keen to ensure that as many people as possible felt comfortable taking part.

The final race also featured a triathlon event where competitors kayaked first instead of doing the first run and after that completed the bike and final run sections.

Cameron Fraser from Clackmannan, S1- S2, said, “I really enjoyed taking part in the duathlon for the second year running and am looking forward to next year’s race.

“I found the course challenging but good fun.” The Baxters from Tillicoultry made it a family affair with dad Grant and mum Katy taking part as well as daughter Freya. Freya, S3-S4, said, “I really enjoyed taking part in the Gartmorn Duathlon series.

“These were my first ever duathlons, and it was a great way to start. The races were fun and not too long, and the course was great. I enjoyed being able to see my times improve through the series. I’ll definitely be doing them next year.” Freya’s dad was also first in the third race and her mum won her age group in the last race.

Fiona Kelsall, Tillicoutry, added, “Having watched the other duathlons in the series I finally plucked up sufficient courage to enter the final – and longest – race.

“I was relieved, and slightly amazed, that I managed to stay on my bike on the course, and down through the woods back to the main path was really quite fun.

“I hope the series is run again next year as it was a very well-run and organised event and a brilliant opportunity to try something different – and all on my doorstep.” Sean McFarlane from Clacks Active is perhaps Clackmannanshire’s most experience triathlete.

He has won a number of races and completed thirteen ironman races which included a victory in his most recent one in August in Norfolk.

He found the race series as inspiring as anything he’d done, saying “Seeing the raw talent and enthusiasm from all the kids was terrific – I was very envious!

“Winning is all well and good but it’s really about encouraging as many people as possible from a range of backgrounds to have a go and enjoy themselves.

“Gartmorn Dam is the perfect location with its vast network of trails and stunning backdrop. The Ochils really seemed to be smiling down on us with approval each time.” One hugely pleasing aspect of the race for the organisers was the strong co-operation from all the landowners involved.

Norman Lucey from Longriggs Farm even helped marshal for the final race with his wife Linda taking part.

Thanks go also to Jane Coull, Gartmorn Farm, the Forestry Commission and Lorna and Chris Smith.

Although Gartmorn Dam was closed to vehicles during each event, members of the public were still able to park nearby and access the whole park on foot. Many of them cheered on the competitors.

The council and Clackmannanshire Canoe Club provided safety cover for the kayak leg and their help was invaluable.

All junior competitors received a medal on completion of their race.

The race had some wonderful sponsors which allowed competitors to receive a range of free products, prizes and support.

So thanks also go to Rock and Road Cycles, Harviestoun Brewery, Merrell and Craft.

Play Alloa, a local charity which provides play and social opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and additional support needs, provided home-baking afterwards which ensured essential calories were replaced.